FCRA Rules tightened: NGOs must declare social media accounts, stick to specified activities; political content barred

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced new rules to regulate foreign funding of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026, aim to bring greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of NGOs. The new rules mandate NGOs to declare their social media accounts, ensuring that their online presence is known to the authorities. The rules also restrict the activities of NGOs, specifying the areas in which they can operate. Furthermore, the rules prohibit NGOs from publishing political content in their funding, ensuring that foreign funds are not used for political purposes. The new rules are an amendment to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Rules, 2011, and are intended to strengthen the regulatory framework for foreign funding of NGOs. The rules are expected to have a significant impact on the functioning of NGOs in the country, and are likely to be closely watched by civil society organizations and the government alike. The introduction of the new rules is part of the government's efforts to regulate foreign funding of NGOs and ensure that such funding is used for legitimate purposes. The rules are also expected to help prevent the misuse of foreign funds for political or other purposes.